Pea and bean yields and quality are extremely variable this year, following the wet harvest and difficult growing season, according to the British Edible Pulses Association.

On average, yields were expected to be lower than usual, said president Phil Rix.

But with prices tracking wheat, farmers with decent quality pulses could expect a good return.

Export demand remained firm, with French bean quality suffering and yields averaging just 3.6-3.9t/ha (1.5-1.6t/acre) – the lowest for some years.

Canada’s pea production had also been slashed, by 8% this year, although stocks remained high, said Mr Rix.

UK feed bean prices remained firm, but given the high level of Bruchid damage in early samples, the feed sector could be well supplied in the coming months.

Human consumption beans were in strong demand for export to Egypt, so farmers with good quality samples should receive a decent premium, he added.

Poor marrowfat crops in Canada meant UK demand was high in Japan and China, but samples needed to be good, and colour had been affected by the rain.

Blue peas had also been bleached, meaning greater volumes of feed samples available this year.

“Yields are expected to be lower than usual, with 60-70% harvested to date.”

But white pea quality and demand were good, helping UK farmers to capitalise on the poor French crop.